Description

During its years of isolation, heavy-hearted travelers were forced to plot routes avoiding Cambodia, and everyone who travelled to Asia returned home with the same regret. Even from the air, tightly packed jungle barred even the slightest glimpse, adding to the country's mystery and cementing its place at the top of everyone's 'must see' list. Our tour certainly makes up for lost time! We start amongst the colonial architecture of Phnom Penh before heading to Siem Reap, gateway to the largest temple complex in the world including the legendary Angkor Wat on a tour that takes in the best of Cambodia's stunning landscapes and culture.

Itinerary:

* Day 1 - Arrival into Phnom Penh
On arrival at Phnom Penh airport you will be taken to your accommodation and receive an orientation explaining the city, culture and way of life. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may even have time to explore the city and visit the project where you will volunteer later in the tour.

* Day 2 - Phnom Penh
After breakfast you will visit the most beautiful and interesting spots that the capital city of Cambodia has to offer. You will visit the Royal Palace and the most important temple in Phnom Penh, Wat Phnom, but Phnom Penh has more to offer, especially when it comes to the terrible history Khmer Rouge period. You will visit the Toul Sleng Museum and The Killing Fields to give you a clear understanding of the terrible cruelties committed during that era.

* Day 3 to 8 - Volunteering in Phnom Penh
On day 3 your volunteer coordinator will give you information about the projects you will be assisting and the work you will be doing. Our in country team are continually sourcing new projects so please enquire for more information.

You will be volunteering at an orphanage in Phnom Penh, helping to improve the conditions and opportunities of Cambodian street children and orphans. You will be helping the orphanage in providing a safe shelter for the children by assisting with cooking, cleaning, washing and other general duties looking after the children. During your volunteer work you can contact your coordinator at any time. You will be provided with a bicycle for travel to and from your project.

* Day 9 - Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Today you will be taken to the bus station to take the early morning bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. The journey is approximately 6 hours, with one break. You will not be accompanied on the bus, but a guide will be there to meet you when you arrive in Siem Reap. In the afternoon you will receive an orientation before taking a city tour by tuktuk.

* Day 10 - Siem Reap
Today you will explore the beautiful ancient temples of Angkor. You will visit Angkor Thom, The South Gate, Bayon, The Elephant Terrace, The Terrace of Leper King, Ta Prom and of course the most famous and important building: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is not only famous for its breath-taking architecture but also for its unique decorations and reliefs. At the end of the day you will climb Phnom Bakeng mountain from which you will have a view over several temples and hopefully enjoy a beautiful sunset.

* Day 11 - Siem Reap
As Angkor is the largest temple complex in the world, it is not hard to imagine that 1 day visiting the temples is just not enough, so today you will explore some beautiful jungle temples. Your guide will provide you with more information on the ancient history of the Khmer empire. Just close your eyes and imagine yourself living during this glorious period. It isn't that hard to imagine how things might have been. You will visit Bantey Srey temple, Kbal Spean.

* Day 12 - Siem Reap
In the morning of your final day in Siem Reap you will visit the Lolei temple and the Rolous group. In the afternoon you will take a trip to the floating village.

* Day 13 - Siem Reap
Today you will visit projects such as the Sangkheum Center for Children where you can help the children with English or handicraft classes. You will also visit Artisan Angkor where you will see Khmer handicrafts.

* Day 14 - Return home
You are free to depart at any time on the final day.

Please note that this itinerary may be subject to change and is a guideline as to the timings you can expect on this project

* Why take this tour?

This tour enables you to combine sightseeing with volunteering. Over the 14 day trip you will have the opportunity to improve the lives of street children and orphans in a children's home in Phnom Penh while also having the opportunity to visit key destinations in Cambodia, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Highlights

Trip Highlights:
* Angkor Wat - simply stunning!
* Phnom Penh. A vibrant and energetic city full of soul
* The Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng - a insight into Cambodia's darker past
* Volunteering at a local orphanage
* Cambodia's people - hospitable, humble and charming

Qualifications

What kind of skills do you need?

You do not need any specific skills to go on this trip, only a wish to help and get involved. You must have a love of children and be committed to the project. You will need to be flexible and be willing to get involved in anything that is asked of you. In order to be accepted on to the volunteer project you will need to forward a copy of your resume on booking.

All transportation is on public transport or by bicycle.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 1,299.00 for 2 weeks

Cost Includes:

• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Food

Program Fees Include:

What's Included

* Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse
* Food: Breakfast only (budget approximately USD 70 per week)
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation and Online TEFL course
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• English Teaching
• Human Rights
• Teaching

Age Range

18 - 80

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

i-to-i Volunteering's Mission Statement

i-to-i Volunteering provides unique opportunities for you to travel, work and volunteer abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 16 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations. With over 130 projects on 4 continents, across 22 countries you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching English, community development, conservation, home building, and working with animals.

Year Founded

1994